Veena’s review of Highlander Most Wanted (The Montgomerys and Armstrongs, Book 2) by Maya Banks
Historical Romance published by Ballantine Books 19 Mar 13
Many of my fellow ducks in The Pond don’t like these historicals because they feel that these are set in a period in history when Scotland was riddled with clan feuds and wars and betrayal was common and yet the dialog between the protagonists is almost contemporary in nature and not true to the period. I, on the other hand, have enjoyed this series for probably that very reason. I think this series is a light read with sweet love stories and a strong theme of family and particularly the care and affection that these strong men have for the women in their family, be they mothers or sisters or sisters-in-law.
We kicked off the series with the romance of Eveline Armstrong and Graeme Montgomery when forced by the king’s decree the two marry. and they fell in love in spite of Eveline’s deformity. This book picks up right where the last one leaves off. Ian McHugh is an arch villain. He is cunning and cruel and holds women in very low esteem. He’s kidnapped beautiful Genevieve McGinnis and holds her prisoner in his keep, raping and hurting her. When he overreaches himself and tries to do the same with Eveline Armstrong Montgomery, he receives justice at the hands of Graeme Montgomery.
With Ian dead, his father abandons his clan and disappears to fight another day, while Bowen Montgomery and Brodie Armstrong are dispatched to jointly hold the McHugh keep. Genevieve, who has been treated like a slave by the clan McHugh, now tries to unite the women of the clan in order to keep the peace and forge a truce with the Armstrong and Montgomery retainers.
While Genevieve regrets the day when she became an obsession for Ian McHugh such that he destroyed her entire retinue on her way to her wedding and taking her prisoner, she feels that she is too soiled to return to her family. Instead, she wants to join the church. Bowen Montgomery, of course, is deeply attracted to her and determined to help restore her to a meaningful life.
A surprise treacherous attack by some of the McHughs shows Bowen the warrior who hides beneath the gentle exterior that Genevieve portrays to the world. As Bowen learns Genevieve’s story, he is determined to reunite her with her clan, regardless of Genevieve’s fear of what her family will say when they learn of her disgrace. But love does win out. Love of parents for their daughter and who are delighted to find her restored to them. Bowen’s love for Genevieve and who wants to see her whole and reunited with her family, even it means that he has to sacrifice his own love for her.
Perhaps the stories are not true to the period, but I have enjoyed the first two and look forward to each of the remaining members of clans Armstrong and Montgomery finding their HEA.
Grade: B
Summary:
Genevieve McInnes is locked behind the fortified walls of McHugh Keep, captive of a cruel laird who takes great pleasure in ruining her for any other man. Yet when Bowen Montgomery storms the gates on a mission of clan warfare, Genevieve finds that her spirit is bent but not broken. Still, her path toward freedom remains uncertain. Unable to bear the shame of returning to a family that believes her dead or to abandon others at the keep to an imposing new laird, Genevieve opts for the peaceful life of an abbess. But Bowen’s rugged sensuality stirs something deep inside her that longs to be awakened by his patient, gentle caress—something warm, wicked, and tempting. Bowen seizes his enemy’s keep, unprepared for the brooding and reclusive woman who captures his heart. He’s enchanted by her fierce determination, her unusual beauty, and her quiet, unfailing strength. But wooing her will take more than a seasoned seducer’s skill. For loving Genevieve, he discovers, means giving her back the freedom that was stolen from her—even if it means losing her forever
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
Highland Ever After – September 2013
